.png)
This year's NHL trade deadline was shaping up to look a lot like the NFL's, very boring and not many transactions of substance. While there weren't any internet breaking trades made, Wednesday was still very interesting for hockey fans, as we saw three playoff teams add some fire power as we head down the stretch toward the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
(Kavin Mistry/NHLI via Getty Images)
Florida Panthers trade Frank Vatrano to the New York Rangers
Earlier this afternoon, it was announced that the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers worked out a deal that would send forward, Frank Vatrano, to New York in exchange for a 2022 fourth-round pick. The 28-year old Massachusetts native is a versatile player who can play all three forward positions and has great scoring ability. He will be a welcomed fit on New York's third, possibly even second line, something the Rangers desperately needed to address prior to the March 21st trade deadline.
Given the fact that all New York had to surrender was a fourth-round pick, I think this is a very solid, low-risk, high reward move for the Rangers. Vatrano has 19 points on 10 goals and 9 assists this season.
Seattle Kraken send Calle Jarnkrok to the Calgary Flames
Only a few short weeks after acquiring Tyler Toffoli from the Montreal Canadiens, it appears as if the Calgary Flames aren't done yet. On Wednesday evening, just prior to their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Seattle Kraken shipped forward, Calle Jarnkrok, to the Flames in exchange for a haul of draft picks. Seattle receives a 2022 second-round pick, 2023 third-round pick, and 2024 seventh-round pick.
Jarnkrok is having a great season and is sure to have an immediate impact for the Western Conference powerhouse Calgary Flames, as they look to raise their first Stanley Cup since 1989. Jarnkrok has 26 points on 12 goals and 14 assists this season. Seattle made out pretty well here too, as they are doing exactly what an expansion team should: stock up on draft picks, develop young talent and look toward the future.
Florida Panthers receive Ben Chiarot from the Montreal Canadiens
Just hours after sending Frank Vitrano to the New York Rangers in exchange for a 2022 fourth-round pick, the Florida Panthers immediately turned around and sent that same pick, along with a 2023 first-round pick and prospect, Ty Smilanic, to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for defenseman, Ben Chiarot. I'm not saying Florida overpaid, but Florida overpaid.
This is a very interesting move for Florida. The Panthers were expected to be aggressive in pursuing Philadelphia Flyers Captain, Claude Giroux, and many thought that sending Vitrano to New York was a way of clearing cap space so that they could go out and acquire Giroux, but instead they went for Chiarot. Does this mean that Florida is out of the running for Philadelphia's captain? With Montreal retaining half of Chiarot's salary, the Panthers could very well still be in on Giroux.
Chiarot has 18 points on 7 goals and 11 assists this season.
"Ben is a solid veteran defenseman that will bring both experience and size to our blue line"
-Bill Zito, General Manager of the Florida Panthers
Tomas Hertl agrees to an eight-year contract with the San Jose Sharks
While this is not a trade, Tomas Hertl's Wednesday night extension with the San Jose Sharks does have an impact on the trade market, as the veteran forward was drawing heavy interest from a few teams around the league. Many thought that Hertl would be on the move prior to March 21st trade deadline, but he is now officially staying put in San Jose.
Comments